ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ethanolic extract of saffron on oxidative stress markers in the hippocampus of experimental models of MS
Materials and Methods: Induction of Multiple Sclerosis [MS] was carried out by direct single injection of 0.01% ethidium bromide [EB] into the Cornu ammonis [CA1] of hippocampal formation. One week after MS induction, animals received intrahippocampal [5 microg/rat and 10 micro g/rat] injection of the saffron. At the end, the bilateral hippo campi were dissected to measure oxidative stress parameters. one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test were used for Statistical analyses activity
Results: Hippocampal injection of EB had no effect on catalase [CAT] activity, but it induced significant increment of antioxidant enzymes GPx and SOD [P<0.05]. Short-term local injection of saffron extract significantly reduced the activity of GPx and SOD enzymes [P<0.05]. But the activity of CAT was significantly increased following microinjection of saffron extract [P<0.05]
Conclusion: The results of the present study show that the local injection of EB may cause increased production of free radicals. Antioxidant capacity and activity are increased. Saffron extract as a potent antioxidant modulates oxidative stress markers, probably through scavenging of ROS and clearing of cells milieu from free radicals